What is HUPO?

The Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) is an international scientific organization representing and promoting proteomics through international cooperation and collaborations by fostering the development of new technologies, techniques and training.

HUPO Mission Statement

To define and promote proteomics through international cooperation and collaborations by fostering the development of new technologies, techniques and training to better understand human disease.

Objectives

Foster global collaboration in major proteomics projects by gathering leading international laboratories in life sciences, bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, systems biology, pathology, and medicine;

Become the point of contact for proteomics research and commercialization activities worldwide;

Support large-scale proteomics projects that are aimed at:
A mechanistic understanding of fundamental biological processes (often using model organisms and non human species);
Directly studying human disease through proteomics techniques and technologies;
Coordinate and enable the fostering of communication among funding agencies and industry partners with the proteomics community and coordinate the activities of groups and organisations interested in HUPO’s

Scientific Initiatives

Play a leading role in:
Defining the location and functions of proteins in human health and disease by supporting the definition of common and specific standards for peptide and protein characterization from human and model organism specimen selection and phenotypic evaluation to data collection, storage and analysis allowing free and rapid exchange of data;
The creation of country-based ethical and legal policy surrounding the handling, banking and use of human tissue specimens for large-scale proteomics projects.

How did HUPO evolve?

HUPO was launched on February 9, 2001. On that date, a global advisory council was officially formed that included leading global experts in the field of proteomics from the academic, government, and commercial sectors. Over the next 12 months, the council, in consultation with industry, identified major proteomics issues and initiatives that needed to be addressed by HUPO. Since its inception, HUPO has received substantial financial assistance from Genome Quebec, Montreal International, McGill University, the National Institutes of Health, and pharmaceutical companies, among others. In addition, it has benefited from considerable in-kind contributions of time and energy from HUPO Council members, research institutes, and pharmaceutical company partners around the world.

Since April 2015, HUPO office is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

HUPO Initiatives are prominently showcased at each Annual HUPO World Congress, which are held as per a three year rotation in the Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe. Past congresses have been held in cities such as Versailles, France (2002), Montreal, Canada (2003), Beijing, China (2004), Munich, Germany (2005). Long Beach, USA (2006), Seoul, Korea (2007), Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2008) and Toronto, Canada (2009). The number of participants and exhibitors has significantly increased over the years and the Congresses are a must attend for anyone involved in proteomics.